Title: Should We Continue to Celebrate Columbus Day?

Grade:6-12

Common Core Standards incorporated:
  • 6-8.RH.7 Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
  • 6-8.RH.8 Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.
  • 6-8.RH.9 Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.
  • 6-8.WHST.1 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
    • a. Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
    • b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
    • c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
    • d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
    • e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
  • 6-8.WHST.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
  • 6-8.WHST.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
  • 6-8.WHST.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Brief Description: In this inquiry based lesson students will explore a contemporary question in a relevant and personal way. Students are provided with an intriguing question and allowed to research and form their own opinions. In a culminating activity they will choose their own solution and support it with their research.